Student complaints against higher education institutions (universities and colleges)

Publicly-funded higher education institutions (colleges, universities and institutes of technology) are independent by law. They are academically independent and can manage their own academic affairs and administrative processes. These include:

• admissions

• examinations

• courses and programmes of study

• awarding degrees and other qualifications

The Department and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science do not intervene in these internal matters.

See a complete list of publicly-funded higher education institutions.

Higher education institutions must have formal complaints procedures. Institutions normally only use these complaints procedures when informal procedures have been used up. Details of the formal complaints procedures can be accessed on the relevant institution's website.

If you feel you have been unfairly treated by a higher education institution, or are not satisfied with the institution’s decision on your complaint, you can contact the Office of the Ombudsman.

By law, the Ombudsman can investigate complaints about any administrative actions or procedures, as well as delays or inaction in your dealings with the institution. The Ombudsman provides an impartial, independent and free dispute resolution service.

The Ombudsman cannot investigate complaints about private third-level institutions.